Assistant Professor Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahed University

Abstract: (9858 Views)

Background and Objective: With respect to epilepsy
prevalence and the fact that some of the patients remain refractory to
available antiepileptic drugs, design of suitable drugs, without unwanted side
effects is necessary. The use of plant extracts to treat diseases is proposed
as a therapeutic modality. Lavandula officinalis (L. officinalis),
commonly known as ustukhuddoos, has been used for a long time in traditional
medicine for some of nervous disorders like epilepsy. The aim of this
investigation was to provide a scientific basis for traditional use of L.
officinalis in epilepsy.

Materials and Methods: A total of 60 male NMRI mice
weighing 25 to 30 g were randomly divided into six groups including: 1. PTZ, 2.
positive control (PTZ and valproate 150 mg/kg, as an anticonvulsant drug), 3 to
5. mice receivedL. officinalis
extract at three doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg, and 6. mixed group which
received L. officinalis (200 mg/kg) and valproate (100 mg/kg) i.p. All
groups were kindled by 11 injections of PTZ (35 mg/kg) with an interval of 48
h. In the 12thinjection, all groups
were tested for PTZ challenge dose (75 mg/kg). The phases of seizure (0-6),
threshold and duration of second and fifth phases were observed for 30 min after
PTZ injection.

Results: Data analysis showed that L. officinalis
could reduce intensity and duration of seizures. In addition, there was no
phase 5 following L. officinalis treatment. Anti-epileptic effect in mix
group was not more than the L. officinalis group.

Conclusion: Antiepileptic effect of chronic administration
of L. officinalis was established and it was more effective at a dose of
200 mg/kg than doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg. Meanwhile, L. officinalis
could reduce seizure phases better than valproic acid.